(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs how he proposes to compensate licence holders for the loss of service from RTE due to the recent strike.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - RTE Strike Compensation.
9.
As I mentioned in the course of the debate in Committee on the Broadcasting Authority (Amendment) Bill, 1975, on 18th May, 1976, both RTE and I were keenly conscious of the inconvenience caused to the public, particularly in the single channel area, during the recent strike. I regret however that there is no statutory provision under which I could compensate licence holders for the fortnight's loss of service.
(Dublin Central): Surely the Minister will agree that holders of TV licences are entitled to some compensation for lack of service? Would the Minister agree in principle with that?
This is not the first time an interruption of service has taken place due to industrial action, and in no case was this principle conceded. For example, there was a short interruption in November, 1972 and no compensation was granted. The point is that the whole of the licence fee goes into the broadcasting service. That continues to be so whether there is a temporary interruption or not—the fee covers the maintenance of the service—and refunds could not be granted without cutting into the fund available for the service.
(Dublin Central): The Minister must agree there were certain savings to RTE from the point of view of salaries during the stoppage. Does he not further agree that licence holders are obliged to have a licence? I believe it is the duty of the Minister to give some compensation——
Any savings that may have accrued—I understand they would not be very substantial— would go to the maintenance and improvement of the service and therefore to the benefit of licenceholders. Any money paid by licenceholders goes into broadcasting.
(Dublin Central): The point I am making is that the public pay in advance for a service which the Minister and RTE undertook to supply. Surely, therefore, the public are entitled to some refund? I am suggesting the Minister should concede at least an extension of one month to the duration of the licence.
The Deputy has made that statement three times.
I think I have answered the Deputy's question.
(Dublin Central): I am not satisfied with the position. If a person pays a fee for a service he is entitled to get the service.
The Deputy knows he may not make a speech.
(Dublin Central): I will make it, because people are very concerned about what is happening.
This is Question Time and the Deputy is out of order. The Deputy will have an opportunity to raise this matter in another way.
(Dublin Central): As regards——
Deputy Fitzpatrick, please, this is Question Time.
(Dublin Central): It is unfair of the Minister not to have made some provision for this.